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The Crutchfield team saw a lot of exciting innovations at CES 2018 in Las Vegas. One of the main highlights was the AVR-X8500H, Denon's latest flagship home theater receiver. This 13-channel beast (rated at 150 watts per channel) certainly caught our attention. As our correspondent JR put it, "for anyone that wants to do [Dolby] Atmos, this seems like a go-to product."

Denon's 13-channel AVR-H8500H: rock-solid inside and out

Denon introduces the world's first 13-channel receiver

The Crutchfield team saw a lot of exciting innovations at CES 2018 in Las Vegas. One of the main highlights was the AVR-X8500H, Denon's latest flagship home theater receiver. This 13-channel beast (rated at 150 watts per channel) certainly caught our attention. As our correspondent JR put it, "for anyone that wants to do [Dolby] Atmos, this seems like a go-to product."

New heights for overhead sound

The 'X8500H offers the most flexibility for setting up an Atmos system that we've ever seen from a single A/V component. You can add as many as six overhead or Atmos enabled speakers in up to a 7.1.6 configuration, or you can set up a 9.1.4 system with "front width" speakers to create a larger soundstage — no additional amp required! And you can use up to two subwoofers, supported by discrete outputs on the receiver, in any Atmos configuration.

Loaded with up-to-the-minute features

In addition to its impressive Dolby Atmos capabilities, the 'X8500H supports DTS:X and Auro-3D for realistic, multidimensional surround sound that puts you in the middle of the action. This receiver also passes 4K video signals, including those encoded with HDR information, to your 4K TV. And it even upscales HD and standard definition video to 4K resolution. Plus you can stream music from different sources and enjoy high-resolution music in your living room — or any room in your house.

Streamline your music with HEOS

Built-in HEOS technology lets you access all your music — from your personal library, internet radio, and popular streaming services like Pandora®, Spotify®, and TIDAL — through the 'X8500H.

This receiver can be easily integrated into a wireless multi-room audio system. Stream music to HEOS wireless speakers and components in different rooms, and control each room's sound independently with the free HEOS app. The app lets you control playback, browse music sources, and select which rooms you want to use. Play the same music throughout your home, or listen to something different in each room.

Complete multi-room flexibility

The 'X8500H has a "Zone 2" HDMI output so you can watch video from two separate sources in your living room and a second room. With outputs for 15 speakers, you get plenty of options for setting up your home theater exactly the way you want it, and expanding into other rooms (don't forget, it can "only" power 13 speakers at a time).

While going for a full-on 9.1.4 or 7.1.6 Atmos system sounds just glorious to us, a simpler 9.1.2 or 7.1.4 Atmos system can still provide an awesome home theater experience while leaving you two free channels to power a set of speakers outdoors or in another room.

And that's just one example. This receiver supports more speaker configurations than we have room to cover here. Basically, if you're happy using fewer channels in your home theater, it can power speakers in two additional zones. Or you can use one of the extra sets of height channels to bi-amp compatible front speakers for more powerful sound. Or you can just use all 13 channels to power the baddest Atmos, DTS:X, or Auro 3D home theater system anyone has ever seen.

Product Research

Audio Section

Monolithic Amplifier Design: The Denon AVR-X8500H AV receiver
is built to last and delivers audiophile-grade sound thanks to its monolithic amplifier
construction. The Denon AVR-X8500H features a powerful Class AB power amplifier
section equipped with discrete custom-made high current power transistors (D.H.C.T)
for high current capability. This discrete, monolithic amplifier design delivers
optimum realism and stunning dynamic range. By using high current, high power
discrete power devices and a monolithic amplifier layout, the Denon AV receiver
is able to easily drive high quality speakers. The AV receiver's eleven channel
Class AB amplifier is rated at 150-watts (into 8-ohms, at 20-20kHz, with 0.05%
THD, driving 2 channels) and will deliver reference class, room-filling sound
with astonishing clarity, power, detail, and depth.

Amplifier Assignment: The AVR-X8500H's thirteen discrete
amplifier channels can be configured to accommodate your type of home theater
setup - from a 7.2ch system with two powered zones to a full 9.2.4ch Dolby Atmos
setup.

13ch: Provides 13ch playback by assigning all thirteen
internal amplifiers to the receiver's Main Zone. Front, Center, Surround,
Surround Back, Height 1, Height 2, Height 3 speakers can all be played back at the same
time in the Main Zone. This amplifier configuration can support up to
7.2.6ch or 9.2.4ch Dolby Atmos/DTS:X.

11ch Bi-Amp: Assigns all thirteen amplifiers of the
receiver to the Main Zone with the front speakers bi-amped. Up to eleven total
speakers are be connected at one time - including Front, Center, Surround,
Surround Back, and Height 1/2 speakers. The receiver's Height 3 amplifier
channels are assigned to bi-amp the front speakers. A bi-amplification
connection uses two amplifiers for one speaker. One amplifier is connected
to the woofer section of a loudspeaker while the other is connected to the
combined midrange and tweeter section. With this arrangement each amplifier
operates over a limited frequency range, making its job easier. This
amplifier configuration can support up to 7.2.4ch or 9.2.2ch Dolby Atmos/DTS:X.

11ch + Zone 2 or Zone 3: The receiver's thirteen amplifier
channels are assigned to power a 11ch speaker system in the Main Zone and
stereo speakers in either Zone 2 or Zone 3 (not both). The Main Zone will
consists of Front, Center, Surround, Surround Back and Height 1/2 speakers. The
receiver's Height 3 amplifier channels are assigned to power Zone 2. This
amplifier configuration can support up to 7.2.4ch or 9.2.2ch Dolby Atmos/DTS:X.

11ch + Zone2/3-Mono: Assigns eleven of the amplifier
channels of the AV receiver for 11ch playback in the Main Zone and one
amplifier each to Zone 2 and Zone 3 for mono audio in each zone. The Main
Zone will consist of Front, Center, Surround, Surround Back and Height 1/2
speakers. The receiver's Height 3 amplifier channels are assigned to power
both Zone 2 and Zone 3 for mono sound. This amplifier configuration can
support up to 7.2.4ch or 9.2.2ch Dolby Atmos/DTS:X.

11ch + Front B: Assigns eleven amplifier channels of the
receiver to the Main Zone for up to 11ch playback and two amplifier channels
to power another pair of front speakers in the Main Zone for stereo playback
only. Up to thirteen total speakers can be connected in the Main Zone -
including Front, Center, Surround, Surround Back, Height 1/2, and Front B
speakers. The receiver's Height 3 amplifier channels are assigned to power
the Front B speakers. This amplifier configuration can support up to 7.2.4ch
or 9.2.2ch
Dolby Atmos/DTS:X.

9ch + Zone 2/3: Assigns nine amplifier channels to the
Main Zone for 9ch playback and four amplifiers to Zone 2 and Zone 3 for
stereo playback in each zone. The 9ch system will consists of Front,
Center, Surround, Surround Back, and Height 1 speakers. The receiver's Height
2 & 3 amplifier channels are reassigned to power both Zone 2 and Zone 3.
This amplifier configuration can support up to 5.2.4ch or 7.2.2ch
Dolby Atmos/DTS:X.

9ch Bi-Amp + Zone 2: Assigns eleven amplifiers of the
receiver to the Main Zone with the front speakers bi-amped and two amplifier
channels assigned to Zone 2 to power a pair of speakers in another room. The
9ch system will consists of Front, Center, Surround, Surround
Back, Height 1 speakers. The receiver's Height 2 & 3 channels are reassigned
to bi-amp the front speakers and power Zone 2. This amplifier configuration
can support up to 5.2.4ch or 7.2.2ch
Dolby Atmos/DTS:X.

5.1ch Full Bi-Amp: In this mode you can bi-amp the front, center,
and surround speakers for improved sound quality with bi-amp capable
speakers in a traditional 5.1 layout. Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, AURO-3D not
supported with this configuration. Zone 2 & Zone 3 are only available using
pre-outs with separate amplifiers.

Note: The receiver's Height 1, 2, 3, & 4 amplifier speaker
channels in a 11ch, 9ch, or 7ch amplifier configuration can be configured as
Top Front, Top Middle, Top Rear, Front Dolby, or Surround Dolby for Dolby Atmos or DTS:X.

Advanced Sound Processing: The Denon AVR-X8500H AV receiver
offers advanced sound processing so you can experience extraordinary sound quality
from both music and movies.

32-Bit DACs: For optimum fidelity and the widest dynamic range
with lowest distortion, the AVR-X8500H features advanced reference-class
32-bit AKM AK4490EQ D/A converters on all channels. This ensures consistent
high fidelity and precise channel matching across all channels for the
ultimate listening experience.

Quadruple DSP: The
AVR-X8500H utilizes a sophisticated DSP audio processing system that
incorporates no less than four powerful high speed fourth generation SHARC
DSP processors, which together have a combined continuous processing
capability of 10 GFLOPS (10 billion floating point numerical computations
per second).

Clock Jitter Reducer + Denon Link: The AVR-X8500H is
equipped with a "Clock Jitter Reducer" that is capable of reducing jitter and
phase noise that negatively affect sound quality. The "Clock Jitter Reducer"
provided with this unit improves the sound localization, reproducing a natural
sound field that is closer to the original soundtrack. The exclusive Denon Link
HD system, available when the AVR-X8500H is used with a compatible Denon Blu-ray
player (sold separately), creates a high-accuracy digital link, with a dedicated
connection for master clock data to eliminate distortion caused by jitter errors
in the main audio data-stream.

Dolby Atmos:
Dolby Atmos surround sound technology
dispenses with channel-based coding in favor of more advanced object-based
coding, giving the soundtrack designer the ability to precisely place sounds
anywhere in the 3-dimensional space. Now you can enjoy this same
award-winning technology at home with the AVR-X8500H that lets you to
connect a 5.2, 7.2, or 9.2 surround sound speaker system and 2-6 additional
overhead speakers or 2-6 Dolby Atmos elevation speakers for the ultimate
home theater experience.

5.2.2ch to 5.2.6ch: A 5.2.2 configuration is based on a traditional 5.2 speaker layout
complemented by 2 overhead or Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers. A 5.2.4 configuration is based on a traditional 5.2 speaker layout
complemented by 4 overhead or Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers. A 5.2.6 configuration is based on a more advanced
5.2 speaker layout
complemented by 6 overhead, or Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers.

7.2.2ch to 7.2.6ch: A 7.2.2 configuration is based on a more advanced 7.2 speaker layout
complemented by 2 overhead or Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers. A 7.2.4 configuration is based on a more advanced 7.2 speaker layout
complemented by 4 overhead, or Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers. A 7.2.6 configuration is based on a more advanced 7.2 speaker layout
complemented by 6 overhead, or Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers.

9.2.2ch to 9.2.4ch: A 9.2.2 configuration is based on a more advanced
9.2 speaker layout
complemented by 2 overhead or Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers. A 9.2.4 configuration is based on a more advanced
9.2 speaker layout
complemented by 4 overhead, or Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers.

DTS:X: The receiver is equipped with DTS:X decoder
technology. DTS:X brings the home theater experience to new heights with its
immersive object based audio technology which removes the bounds of
channels. The flexibility of objects allows for sound to be scaled large or
small and moved around the room with greater accuracy than ever before
leading to a richer immersive audio experience.

AURO-3D: This receiver is equipped with an Auro-3D
decoder. With Auro-3D, Front Height, Surround Height and Top Surround are
added to a conventional 5.1-channel system to achieve a natural and
realistic soundfield that is three-dimensional and fully immersive. You will
be able to fully enjoy Auro-3D playback if you properly place the speakers
for Auro-3D. Auro-3D does not support a Dolby Atmos configuration using Top
Front, Top Middle, Top Rear, or any Dolby Atmos Enabled speakers. But it is
possible to support both an Auro-3D and Dolby Atmos by adding Front Height
and Rear Height speakers to a 5.1 configuration. For an optimum Auro-3D
experience Surround Height speakers are strongly recommended.

Dolby Surround:
Dolby Surround offers an enhanced cinema experience to your 2ch and
multichannel movie soundtracks using your existing 5.1ch, 7.1ch or Dolby
Atmos speaker setup. Dolby Surround enhances audio definition by improving
the spatial dimension and overall audio definition of movie soundtracks. It
does this by using four distinct surround zones that provide greater control
over the exact placement of each detail in a movie sound track, so audio can
be matched more accurately to the video on screen; this means more depth and
greater realism for your movies. As a result, individual sounds are clearer
and more distinct. It also improves the surround sound experience across the
entire theater by widening the listening "sweet spot".

DTS Neural:X: DTS:X incorporates Neural:X, the latest
spatial remapping technology from DTS, which provides a fully immersive
output for all types of source content; this includes DTS bitstreams and
non-encoded (PCM) data. Neural:X delivers a thrilling sense of immersive
sound to your speaker layout regardless of the original source format.

MultEQ XT32: Via the supplied measuring microphone,
Audyssey MultEQ32 measures all the speakers in your home theater during
setup, including the subwoofer, and then generates multiple high precision
DSP room acoustic correction filters, which together provide smoothest and
most natural tonal balance, regardless of the brand or model of the various
speakers. Audyssey MultEQ32 incorporates more than ten
thousand individual control points allowing finer details of the room's
problems to be captured and corrected. Up to eight listening positions can
be measured, configured, and recorded. MultEQ XT32 compensates for both time
and frequency characteristics of the listening area based on "Audyssey
Setup" measurement results. Selection is done from three types of
compensation curves - Reference (default and recommended, L/R Bypass, Flat,
and Off).

LFC (Low Frequency Containment): Audyssey Low Frequency
Containment uses advanced psychoacoustic algorithms to deliver a full range
tonal balance, including deep bass, but without disturbing close-by neighbors
or family members in other rooms, and features a multi-step adjustment that
lets you dial in the amount of containment to your preference.

Dynamic EQ: Audyssey Dynamic EQ also features advanced
DSP processing to deliver full range wide-band response, even at reduced
volume levels. Dynamic EQ Reference Level Offset provides three offsets from
the film level reference (5 dB, 10 dB, and 15 dB) that can be selected when
the mix level of the content is not within the standard.

Listening Modes: You can choose between a variety of Denon
Original listening modes or a two Direct modes.

Denon Original Listening Modes: Denon's Original
Listening Modes, combined with Dolby Digital/DTS processing, produce more
realistic, powerful sound effects for your movie and music sound tracks
based on the type of content and your home theater setup. Choose between
Rock Arena, Jazz Club, Matrix, Video Game, Mono Movie, Multichannel Stereo,
or Virtual (surround from only front speakers or headphones).

Direct Listening Modes: The Denon AVR-X8500H offers two
Direct Listening Modes which bypass the receiver's tone & DSP processing for
higher sound quality performance. Direct Mode provides playback of 2ch or
Multichannel audio in its original form, without any surround or tone
processing. Pure Direct Mode goes a step further by turning off the
receiver's display and analog video circuitry to minimize the possibility of
any noised being added to the audio signal.

CINEMA EQ (Cinema Equalizer): The Cinema EQ function
gently decreases the level of the extreme high frequencies, compensating for
overly-bright sounding motion picture soundtracks. Select this function if
the sound from the front speakers is too bright. This function only works in
the Dolby Digital & DTS modes.

Compressed Audio Restorer: Compressed audio formats such
as MP3, WMA (Windows Media Audio), and MPEG-4 AAC reduce the amount of data by
eliminating signal components that are hard for the human ear to hear. The
Restorer function generates the signals eliminated upon compression,
restoring the sound to conditions near those of the original sound before
compression. It also corrects the sense of volume of the bass to obtain
richer sound with compressed audio signals.

Dynamic Range Compression (DRC): Motion picture
soundtracks have tremendous dynamic range (the contrast between very soft
and very loud sounds). For listening late at night, or whenever the maximum
sound level is lower than usual, Compressing the dynamic range allows you to
hear all of the sounds in the soundtrack with reduced dynamic range. DRC
works when playing program sources recorded in Dolby Digital or DTS.

Center Spread: When using the receiver's Dolby Surround
mode, the Center Spread function expands the center channel signal to left
and right front speakers to create a wider frontal audio image for the
listener. It is optimized and designed primary for playback of stereo music
content.

Room Size: The receiver's audio output can be set to simulate the
acoustics of a Small, Medium Small, Medium (default), Medium Large, or Large
room environment. This setting is not an indication of the actual size of
your listening area.

Bass Sync: For contents recorded in multi-channel such as Blu-ray
discs, the recorded low frequency effects (LFE) may be out of synch and
delayed. Bass Sync technology corrects such a delay of low frequency effects
for the perfect audio experience.

Level Adjustments: The AVR-X8500H provides the following
level adjustments.

Source Level: This function adjusts the playback level
of the currently selected input source's audio input. Use this feature if
there are differences in the input volume levels between different sources.
You can correct the playback level of the audio input from -12 to +12dB.

Dialogue Level & Control: You can adjust the output
level (+/-12dB) to increase the dialogue output from the center channel.
When listening to a DTS:X soundtrack, the Dialog Control feature adjusts the
volume of dialog in movies and vocals in music, so voice can be heard more
easily.

EQ Level: If you choose not to use the Audyssey MultEQ
X32 auto calibration setup function, you can manually set the tonal balance
and level for each frequency band of the receiver's 9-band EQ
(63/125/250/500/1k/2k/4k/8k/16k Hz) for each connected loudspeaker.

Subwoofer Level: You can set the receiver's subwoofer
output level (+/-12dB) independent from the other speaker levels and
system's main volume.

Volume Settings: The AVR-X8500H offers the following volume
settings.

Volume Scale: You can choose to display an Absolute
volume scale (0-98) or Relative volume scale (-79.5 to 18dB).

Volume Limit: You can set a maximum volume level of 0,
-10, or -20 dB to limit the receiver's total volume output.

Power On Level: You can define the volume setting that
is active when the power is turned on (0, 1-98, -79 to +18dB, or Last).

Mute Level: You can set the amount of attenuation for
the audio muting circuit; -40dB or -20dB below current volume, or full mute
(sound turned off entirely).

Color-Coded Speaker Terminals: The receiver has
binding-post terminals for all speaker connections. The binding-post
terminals can accept bare wire, pin connectors, and banana plugs
(single/dual). The receiver will accept speaker impedances of 4 to 16-ohm.
The AV receiver comes with color-coded labels to easily identify which
channel a speaker cable should be connected to. Since the speaker cables
have labels in the same colors as the connectors on the AVR-X8500H's rear
panel, there's no longer any confusion about which terminals they should be
connected to.

15.2Ch Pre-Outs: The AV receiver features 15.2ch
pre-amp outputs (Front L/R, Center, Surround L/R, Surround Back L/R, Height
1 L/R, Height 2 L/R, Height 3 L/R, Height 4 L/R, and Dual Subs) for connection to external power
amplifiers. The pre-outs are variable. For compatibility with dual subwoofer
home theater systems, the AVR-X8500H features two discrete subwoofer
outputs. With dual subwoofers, which can be placed in different parts of the
room, you'll benefit from response averaging, which helps provide smoother
and more detailed deep bass, compared to a conventional single subwoofer
speaker system.

Headphone Jack: When headphones are plugged into the
full-size 1/4" jack on the front panel, all the speakers are automatically
muted.

Phono Input: The Denon AVR-X8500H is outfitted with a Phono
input (MM), so you can connect your turntable and listen to your vinyl records
with high-quality sound.

Video Section

HDMI 2.0b: Featuring eight HDMI inputs (including one
conveniently located on the front-panel) and three HDMI outputs, the AVR-X8500H
incorporates an advanced video section that features the latest HDMI 2.0b
specification, including support for 4K/60 Hz Ultra-HD video, BT.2020 Wide Color
Gamut, High Dynamic Range (HDR), 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling and 21:9 video
pass-through, along with support for 3D content. The AVR-X8500H also features
HDCP 2.2 compatibility, a requirement for 4K Ultra HD copy-protected content.

4K/60Hz Pass-Through: The AVR-X8500H supports up to 4K
(3840x2160 pixels) video @ 60 frames per second on all of its HDMI inputs and
output (pass-through only). It will also pass a 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, or
1080p video signals via HDMI.

HDCP 2.2: All of the receiver's HDMI jacks support HDCP
2.2, which fully complies with the latest copyright protection standard for
4K video transmission.

4:4:4 Color Subsampling: All of the receiver's
rear-panel HDMI jacks support RGB, YCbCr 4:4:4, YCbCr 4:2:2, and YCbCr 4:2:0
color subsampling (@ 60Hz or 50Hz). With 4:4:4 color subsampling, luminance
(brightness) and chroma (color) are sampled at the same rate; resulting in
an RGB color palette as big as the video sampling rate for a video image
with more colors, plus greater color accuracy and detail. The front-panel
HDMI only supports 4K 60/50Hz using format YCbCr 4:2:0 only.

Wide Color Gamut (BT.2020): The BT.2020 color standard
delivers a much wider color gamut and represents about 75% of the total
visual color spectrum, while the current Rec. 709 color standard selected as
the color space for HDTVs and early generation 4K Ultra HDTVs covers only
35% of the total visual color spectrum.

21:9 Aspect Ratio: By supporting 21:9 aspect ratio,
this receiver can show films recorded in the Cinema Scope format on your TV
for a much more immersive video experience. When these types of films are
viewed in the usual 16:9 ratio, you see black bars at the top and bottom of
the screen; 21:9 eliminates these bars.

HDR Compatibility: HDR provides enhanced picture quality by
simultaneously enabling greater detail for both the dark and bright parts of an
image. HDR reproduces a greater dynamic range of luminosity or brightness
levels, creating greater contrast. This increased contrast reveals the subtle
nuances of the image, from detailed blacks and shadows to the brightest whites
and colors, plus greater depth. The receiver supports HDR 10, Dolby Vision, and
HLG.

HDR 10: HDR 10 is an open standard and currently the most popular
HDR format on the market. It supports 10-bit color and 1,000 nits. It uses
static metadata at the start of a movie to tell the receiver and your TV
that the video content is encoded using HDR.

HLG: HLG (Hybrid-Log
Gamma) is primarily designed for live video feed and over-the-air
broadcasts. It uses no pre-encoded metadata and is backwards compatible with
SDR. HLG's native compatibility allows much of today's existing SDR
infrastructure to be re-used for HDR in the future.

Dolby Vision: Unlike HDR 10 which contains static
metadata and HLG which uses no metadata, Dolby Vision utilizes dynamic
metadata which adjusts brightness,
color, and contrast automatically for each scene. Dynamic metadata carries
information that maps every image to your TV's display capabilities, so you
see more of what the content creator intended. Dolby Vision supports 12-bit
color and 10,000 nits.

4K Video Upconversion & Upscaling: The Denon AV receiver's
sophisticated video processor provides upconversion from standard definition
(480i/480p) and high definition (720p/1080i/1080p) sources to 4K Ultra HD
(3840x2160 pixels), which lets you connect all your analog (composite/component)
or digital (HDMI) video sources to the AVR-X8500H and then connect to your TV
with just a single HDMI cable. Only the receiver's main HDMI output supports
video upconversion.

Note: When composite or component video
signals are used, only 480i video signals are converted
to HDMI (up to 4K).

Three HDMI Outputs: The two parallel HDMI outputs distribute
the same video signal simultaneously to two separate displays, while the
discrete HDMI output allows you to play a different audio/video source in
another zone (Zone 2).

ARC (Audio Return Channel): This feature of the
AVR-X8500H's HDMI monitor output allows audio to be sent from your compatible
HDTV to the receiver through the same HDMI cable already being used to send
audio and video to your HDTV. This eliminates the need for extra cables
connected to your television.

Deep Color & x.v.Color Support: The AV receiver
supports Deep Color and x.v.Color content, which can display a larger color
range than standard-definition schemes. The result is a more lifelike,
vibrant picture.

LipSync: This function adjusts the delay between audio
and video output. You can do this manually or have the receiver set the
LipSync function automatically. When connected to a TV via HDMI the receiver
automatically adjusts audio output timing (0-500ms) if the TV supports an
automatic LipSync function. You can also manually delay the sound output up
to 500ms to synchronize it with the video image.

HDMI Standby Pass-Through: When the AV receiver is in
"Standby" mode and the HDMI Standby Pass-Through function is enabled, both
audio/video streams from the receivers HDMI input will be output to your
television, via the AV receiver's HDMI monitor output. Once the receiver is
turned "On", only video will pass through the monitor output to your TV and the
audio is directed to the receiver's speaker outputs.

HDMI Input: Selects the HDMI Input for which the
HDMI Standby Pass-Through function is enabled.

Last: The HDMI Standby-Through function is activated on
the input source selected at the time of setting the AV receiver to the
"Standby" mode.

Off: The HDMI Standby Pass-Through function is
disabled.

Component & Composite Video: The receiver features four
composite video inputs and one composite video output, as well
as a Zone 2 composite video output (the composite video inputs/output support
480i only). There are also three component video inputs and one component video
output that can be assigned as a monitor output or Zone 2 output (the component
video inputs/output support up to 1080p).

Video Select Function: This receiver can display video from
a different source on your connected TV during audio playback from Tuner or HEOS
music apps.

Video Modes: You can set the video processing method to match the type
of video content. Choose from Movie, Game, Auto, or Bypass.

Advanced ISFccc Video Calibration: The AVR-X8500H is
certified by the Imaging Science Foundation to deliver top video quality, and
the unit also features advanced ISFccc video calibration controls that allow for
precision fine-tuning of the connected HDTV, even if it's not an ISF certified
set. You can choose from a variety of Picture Modes - Standard, Movie, Vivid,
Streaming, ISF Day, ISF Night, Custom, or Off. The Custom mode lets you manually
adjust Contrast, Brightness, Saturation, Noise Reduction, and Enhancer
(sharpness).

Note: Network setup requires that the receiver be connected to
your TV via HDMI for display of the on-screen menu. The receiver's network setup
cannot be accessed through its front-panel display.

TuneIn Internet Radio: The Denon AVR-X8500H includes access
to more than 100,000 free internet radio streams from all corners of the globe
via the built-in TuneIn online music
service. Simply select TuneIn from the receiver's on-screen menu using the
included remote and browse among the 100,000 stations neatly organized into
popular categories and select a station that appeals to you.

Spotify Connect: If you subscribe to
Spotify Premium and have the Spotify App on your
Apple iOS or
Android mobile device, you can stream Spotify to the Denon AV receiver.
Spotify is a digital music service that gives you on-demand access to one of the
largest music libraries in the world (over 15 million tracks and counting).
Spotify makes it easier than ever to discover, manage, and share music with your
friends. You can browse music by artist, album, track, or most popular; and
create your own music library with customized playlists.

HEOS Music Apps: With built-in HEOS technology and the HEOS app on
your
Apple
iOS 7.0+ or
Android OS 4.0
devices, you'll be able to stream a wide variety of online music services, plus
the music library of your mobile device through the Denon AV receiver.

Online Music Services: Using the HEOS app,
you'll be able to stream your favorite online music service like
Pandora,
iHeart Radio,
SiriusXM,
TIDAL,
Napster,
TuneIn, and
Amazon
Music. The HEOS app on your Apple iOS or Android device will
serve as the controller for these apps and provide song/artist
information with Album Art. You can create a "Favorite"
station list, so you can quickly access your favorite internet
radio stations and online music channels.

Mobile Device Streaming: Using the HEOS app on your
Apple iOS or Android mobile device, you are able to stream your device's
music library to the Denon AV receiver. You'll be able to browse your music
library by Artist, Album, Genre, and Song; control music playback functions
like Play/Pause and Previous/Next Track; and view song/artist info with
Album Art from the app on your compatible mobile device. You can even type
in an artist name or song title to find music in your mobile device's
library.

Notes:

Prior to using the HEOS system, you'll need to
setup up your free HEOS account. Your HEOS account remembers all your settings
and preferences such as all your music service logins and HEOS playlists. When
you'd like to add multiple smartphone or tablet controllers to your system, you
only need to sign in to each new device with your HEOS user name and password.
Instantly all your music services and HEOS playlists are available in the new
controller too.

If you prefer, HEOS supports multiple accounts in a single
household. This way, each family member can enjoy their own personalized Pandora, Spotify,
or other online music account settings and still share all the same speakers in the home.

DLNA 1.5 Certified: The AVR-X8500H is DLNA (Digital Living
Network Alliance) 1.5 and Windows 7/8 compliant for audio and photo networking.
This means it's easier for you to access and enjoy digital music and
still-images (JPEG) stored on your Windows PC. You can use your PC to play
high-bit rate music content through the A/V receiver and view still-images on
your connected TV, or use the AVR-X8500H's remote control to browse music & photo
files on your hard drive. The receiver also supports ID3-Tag (ver.2) and META
tag information; so song title, artist name, and album name can be displayed the
unit's front-panel display or on-screen menu. In addition the unit will display
Album Art on a connected television. The Denon AVR-X8500H supports the following
audio formats, sampling frequencies, and bit rates via its wired network
connection.

Resolution

Compatible Audio Formats

Sampling Frequencies

Bit rate

Extension

Hi-Res

WAV
(PCM)

32/44.1/48/96/176.4/192 kHz

16/24-bit

.wav

FLAC
(Free Lossless Audio Codec)

32/44.1/48/96/176.4/192 kHz

16/24-bit

.flac

ALAC
(Apple Lossless Audio Codec)

32/44.1/48/96/192 kHz

16/24-bit

.m4A

DSD

2.8/5.6 MHz

1-bit

.dsf/.dff

Compressed

MP3
(MPEG-1 Audio Layer-3)

32/44.1/48 kHz

32-320 kbps

.mp3

WMA
(Windows Media Audio)

32/44.1/48 kHz

48-192 kbps

.wma

AAC (MPEG-4)

32/44.1/48 kHz

16-320 kbps

.aac/.m4a

Note: Your computer must meet the following system
requirements - Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service or Windows Media
DRM10. Album Art is only displayed when using Windows Media Player
(ver.11/12).

AM/FM Tuner: The Denon AV receiver features a built-in AM/FM
tuner with 56 station auto-preset memory tuning. You can also set your presets
manually. You can create an 8-character name for each preset station. You can
even directly enter a station number using the receiver's on-screen menu and
remote control.

Software Updates: Using the receiver's network/internet
connection, you can check for and update the latest firmware from the online
Denon server. Visit
Denon's Support Site for more details.

Multiroom Playback

HDMI Zone 2: The AVR-X8500H also incorporates multi-zone
HDMI audio/video distribution for Zone 2 with the inclusion of its HDMI matrix
switching functionality. The receiver can send two different HDMI video feeds to
two displays at the same time directly from the receiver. HDMI Zone 2 also
supports 2ch PCM audio from the HDMI input source selected. The HDMI Zone 2
function is only compatible with the HDMI 1-7 input connectors. It is not
compatible with the HDMI 8 input connector or any other input source. Volume of
HDMI Zone 2 is controlled from the TV or additional receiver in Zone 2.

Note: If the receiver's Main Zone and
HDMI Zone 2 are set to the same HDMI input source, the Main
Zone audio will be mixed down to 2-channel audio.

Zone 2 (Audio/Video): Zone 2 allows stereo
audio/video playback of another source connected to the receiver in another room of
your home via RCA line-level output or speaker-level output, as well as
composite or component video. To enjoy a video source in Zone 2, you must
connect the same video connection to your second display monitor as connected to
your receiver for that particular source (there is no video-conversion for Zone
2). When using the
AVR-X8500H to power speakers in a second room of your home, the main zone is
restricted to 11.2-channels. When using the receiver's line output terminals for
the second room you need an additional amplifier to power your Zone 2 speakers;
the main Zone of the receiver remains 13.2-channel. The volume of Zone 2 can be
controlled by the Denon receiver using either configuration or from your add-on
amplifier when using the line-output.

Note: Unfortunately, you cannot select USB,
Bluetooth and Network sources exclusively for each Zone. For
example, if you select a network source for Zone 2 when a USB
source is selected for the Main Zone, the input source in the
Main Zone also switches to the same network source as Zone 2.

Zone 3 (Audio Only): Zone 3 allows you to play a different
stereo audio source connected to the receiver in a third room of your house.
Zone 3 features either a pre-outs or speaker outputs so you can use this amp or
a separate amp to power speakers in another room. When using the AVR-X8500H to
power speakers in a second and third room of your home, Zone 2 and 3 are limited
to mono playback, while the Main Zone is limited
to 11.2 channels. When using the receiver's pre-outs for the 2nd & 3rd Zone, you need
additional amplifiers in those rooms to power those speakers; the Main Zone of
the receiver remains 13.2-channel. The volume of Zone 3 can be controlled by the
Denon receiver using either configuration or from your add-on amplifier when
using the line-output.

Note: Unfortunately, you cannot select USB, Bluetooth and Network sources
exclusively for each Zone. For example, if you select a network source
for Zone 3 when a USB source is selected for the Main Zone, the input
source in the Main Zone also switches to the same network source as Zone
3.

All Zone Stereo Function: The All Zone Stereo function
allows you to enjoy the AV receiver's Main Zone audio source in Zone 2 and
Zone 3 simultaneously (regardless of input audio signal types - analog, digital, or
wireless).
During the All Zone Stereo mode, only the "Multi Ch Stereo" and "Stereo"
sound modes can be selected. You will have independent volume control in each
zone. All Zone Stereo mode is useful when
you want to enjoy the same music at the same time in multiple rooms during a
get together or party.

HEOS Wireless Multiroom Audio: Built-in HEOS technology enables the AVR-X8500H
to become part of the
HEOS by Denon wireless multi-room audio eco-system,
allowing you to stream and control all
of your local and online music effortlessly from anywhere in your home with the
HEOS App on your compatible Apple iOS or Android mobile device over a wireless
WiFi network connection.
The HEOS system is a true multi-room audio system that automatically
synchronizes audio playback between multiple HEOS devices so that your music (up
to 24-bit/192kHz Hi-Res audio) coming from different rooms is perfectly in sync
and always sounds amazing. You can play the same audio source (other than your
connected TV) in every room or any combination of rooms you choose, including a
different song in every room.

Systems: The HEOS wireless multi-room sound system
by Denon can support up to 32 HEOS speakers, receivers, amplifiers,
and/or pre-amplifiers (all sold separately) on a single wireless
network (IEEE 802.11 g/n; 2.4/5GHz).

Groups: You can join or group up to eight
individual speakers or amplifiers into a group of speakers that function
as if they were a single speaker. The HEOS App is also flexible enough
where you can create up to 16 Groups (2 speakers/amplifiers per Group).

Party Mode: You can easily group 16 rooms together
into Party Mode by using a "pinch" gesture.

Note: The Denon AV receiver only supports a single HEOS
music stream. If you desire a second HEOS music stream through the
receiver's multizone output, you will need to connect the
HEOS Link to one of the AV receiver's analog inputs.

HDMI Monitor 2: The receiver's second HDMI monitor output
lets you send the same HDMI audio/video input signal that is being played in the
main zone to a second zone (video is output at the resolution supported by both
TVs).

USB/AirPlay/Bluetooth Integration

Front-Panel USB Port: This AV receiver is equipped with a
front-panel USB (type-A) port that allows you to enjoy a variety of music files
from a USB mass storage class memory device; such as a USB thumbdrive or
portable digital audio player. Compatible
USB storage devices must be formatted in FAT 16 or FAT32. The unit can recognize
up to 500 folders/5,000 files. You can use the receiver's on-screen menu (via
HDMI) and remote control to navigate your stored music files on your connected
USB memory device. Song/artist information will display on your HDMI-connected
TV and the receivers front-panel display. USB portable audio devices that can be
charged via USB will be charged when plugged into the AV receiver's USB port
(5V/1A); even in standby mode.

Resolution

Compatible Audio Formats

Sampling Frequencies

Bit rate

Extension

Hi-Res

WAV
(PCM)

32/44.1/48/96/176.4/192 kHz

16/24-bit

.wav

FLAC
(Free Lossless Audio Codec)

32/44.1/48/96/176.4/192 kHz

16/24-bit

.flac

ALAC
(Apple Lossless Audio Codec)

32/44.1/48/96/192 kHz

16/24-bit

.m4A

DSD

2.8/5.6 MHz

1-bit

.dsf/.dff

Compressed

MP3
(MPEG-1 Audio Layer-3)

32/44.1/48 kHz

32-320 kbps

.mp3

WMA
(Windows Media Audio)

32/44.1/48 kHz

48-192 kbps

.wma

AAC (MPEG-4)

32/44.1/48 kHz

16-320 kbps

.aac/.m4a

Note: The receiver's USB port is not compatible with
Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad or Android smartphones & tablets.

Apple AirPlay: AirPlay lets you stream your
favorite songs directly from your Apple iOS (4.3.3+) device or from your
iTunes (10.2.2+) library on your Windows PC or Mac computer to the AV
receiver, over your home's wireless network connection. From your Apple iOS
device you are able to stream stored music on your device, downloaded music
apps, and music on your iCloud to the AV receiver. From your Windows or Mac
you can stream your stored iTunes music library on your computer to the AV
receiver; you can even download Apple's free
Remote App
onto your compatible iOS device to browse and control
playback functions of the music stored in your iTunes music library on
your computer that is being streamed to the AV receiver. With AirPlay you
also get to see song/artist information and album art via the receiver's
on-screen menu (via HDMI).

Built-in Bluetooth: The Denon AVR-X8500H features built-in
Bluetooth (version 3.0+EDR) with a 98' wireless range for music streaming (A2DP 1.2)
and control (AVRCP 1.5). You'll be able to wirelessly stream stored music and
music apps from your Bluetooth-enabled smartphone, tablet, computer, laptop, and
more to the Denon AV receiver. You will also be able to control basic playback
functions (Play/Pause & Previous/Next Track) using the receiver's remote.
Advanced music operation and song/artist/album info will still be done from your
Bluetooth source device. Up to eight Bluetooth devices can be paired the
AVR-X8500H, but only one device can be connected and used at a time.

Note: Due to the differences in Bluetooth technology, some
Bluetooth enabled devices may be incompatible, function improperly, or may
not support all features when used with the Denon AV receiver.

Remote & App Control

AVR Remote App: The new Denon AVR Remote App lets you control the
Denon AV receiver using your
Apple (iOS 7.0) or
Android (OS 4.0+) device. From this free app on your compatible Apple iOS or
Android device, you'll be able to control the Denon AV receiver's basic
functions; such as power, volume, input, surround modes, and other settings.
You'll also be able to control separate Zones of the receiver, as well as
navigate the AV receiver's network and Internet content from the app. In
addition, you get you get unique features likes a landscape orientation control
screen for tablet devices, the ability to create playlists, and control over a
Denon Blu-ray player.

Landscape Orientation Control Screen: With a landscape
orientation control screen for tablet devices, you can easily browse and
navigate through your network music services or personal digital music
collection with ease, and at the same time view now-playing information and
cover art all on a single screen.

Create Playlists: The app's playback
screen allows you to easily build your own personal music
playlists on the fly with the ability to Drag & Drop
files into your queue, or tap to "Play Now",
"Play Next", "Play Next and Replace
Queue" or "Add to End of Queue". You can
then save your queue as a playlist for easy recall.

Denon Blu-ray Player Control: The app allows control over Denon
Blu-ray (DBT-xx13 series) that are connected to the AV receiver via HDMI.

Note: This AV receiver is not compatible with last year's older Denon
Remote App.

HEOS App: You'll need to download the HEOS App onto your
Apple
iOS 7.0+ or
Android OS 4.0 device to
enjoy HEOS functionality on the AVR-X8500H receiver. Using your mobile device and
the HEOS app, you can setup, browse, explore, and control HEOS system right in
the palm of your hand, from anywhere in your home. Your compatible Apple iOS or
Android device must be connected to the same home wireless (WiFi) network as the
AV receiver and your entire HEOS system. The HEOS app consists of 4 control
screens.

Settings: The "Settings" screen enables you to connect
one or more HEOS speakers, receivers, amplifiers, and/or pre-amplifiers to
your home's wireless network.

Rooms: From the app on your Apple iOS or Android
device, you can select which rooms you want playing. You can play the same
music in multiple rooms by grouping rooms together, or you can listen to a
different source in each room.

Music/Sources: You can select what music and which
source you want to listen to from the app. Choose from online music services
like Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, Tidal, etc.; your music library on your Apple
iOS or Android device, Windows PC/DLNA server, or USB thumbdrive; and analog,
digital, and HDMI
inputs; as well as Bluetooth on the HEOS AVR. You can also select music from
Playlists you've created, Favorites you've saved, and your recent listening
History.

Now Playing: The "Now Playing" screen displays song,
artist, and album information; along with Album Art. You also get basic
playback controls like Play/Pause and Previous/Next Track, plus Volume
controls Up/Down and Mute. In addition the "Now Play" screen functions
unique to the selected online music service or music library.

Alexa Compatible (via firmware update): Through a network
firmware update, HEOS and Amazon Alexa customers can now enjoy the convenience
of Alexa voice control plus high-quality wireless home audio. In addition to
controlling your HEOS components with the HEOS app on your mobile device or
tablet, you can now control them with Amazon Alexa voice technology and an
Amazon Alexa device (including the
Amazon Echo,
Echo Dot, Tap and
Echo Show - all sold separately). Voice control features include -

You can group your HEOS-enabled devices using the HEOS app with an Alexa-friendly
name. Once they are grouped, Alexa voice commands will control the group as
a whole. If you want to play audio content from only one HEOS-enabled device
in the group, you must ungroup the device within the HEOS app.

You are able use voice commands to search for songs, albums and artists
and even podcasts and internet stations from HEOS & Alexa compatible music
apps - like Amazon Music, Pandora, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Spotify Connect, &
SiriusXM.

For a list of current Alexa voice commands supported by the HEOS
HomeEntertainment Skill, click
here. For setup instructions, click
here.

Note: You will need an Alexa-enabled device (Amazon Echo,
Echo Dot, Tap, or Echo Show - all sold separately) to operate your HEOS
products via voice-command. Youre HEOS components and the Alex-enabled
devices must be on the same network.

MultEQ Editor App: Download the MultEQ Editor App onto your
Apple iOS 8.0+ or
Android OS 4.0+ devices for further sound customization and detailed tuning to
more precisely tailor the sound to your room and personal preferences. This app
lets you view the speaker detection results to
check correct installation, view before and after results of the Audyssey
calibration making it easy to identify room problems, edit the Audyssey target
curve for each channel pair to suit your tastes, adjust the EQ frequency
adjustment range for each channel pair, switch between 2 high frequency roll-off
target curves, enable/disable midrange compensation to make the vocal region
brighter or smoother, as well as save and load calibration results.

IR Remote Control: The provided IR wireless remote can be programmed
to operate other manufacturer components, as well as learn commands from other
manufacturer remote controls. It also supports HDMI-CEC and Smart TV control.
The remote features a backlit LCD window which displays information about the
sources and modes selected.

Multibrand/Learning Programming: This remote control is preset with remote codes for Denon AV components.
The remote also contains codes for other manufactures which can be programmed.
In addition, the remote control is capable of learning and storing codes used by
other remotes. You can use the remote control to program a series of button
operations in sequence. This remote can remember up to 4 macro functions; each
macro can record a maximum of 18 steps.

HDMI-CEC & Smart TV Control: When you make an HDMI connection with a TV or
Blu-ray player compatible with the AVR-X8500H's HDMI control function, you can
perform the operations from the AVR-X8500H's remote control; Power off, Switching
of audio output devices, Switching of audio input devices, Volume adjustment,
and Playback functions. When you connect the
AVR-X8500H to your Smart TV, you have the option of controlling the AVR-X8500H via
the TV's remote control which lets you select an input, adjust the volume and
choose the surround sound mode. The receiver and your TV must be connected via
HDMI with the HDMI-CEC function activated on both components.

Custom Integration: The AVR-X8500H is part of Denon's
IN-Command series line-up of receiver, which is Denon's certification to custom
installers that the receiver has advanced connectivity and control features
often required for custom home integration and theater applications using
premium control systems. These features include IP control, a RS232C jack for
use with whole house control systems, remote in/out IR command control, and
12V trigger outputs.

RS-232C Port: Port for connection to external
whole-house control systems, from companies such as AMX, Crestron, etc.

Remote Jacks: Minijack input and output jacks for use
with an optional IR repeater system (sold separately).

12V Trigger Outputs: The AVR-X8500H has two minijack
outputs to send a 12-Volt DC turn-on signal to another component that
accepts a 12V trigger, such as a power amplifiers in Zone 2 and Zone 3. The
conditions under which the trigger output activates is programmable.

IP Control: The receiver can be set up and operated
by a home computer on the network via IP control, either via wired LAN
connection or Wi-Fi, and also features Control4 SDDP (Simple Device
Detection Protocol) certification for quick and easy integration with
Control4 home automation equipment.

Convenience Features

OSD w/ Setup Assistant (via HDMI):
With Denon's on-screen menu and setup assistant, you can connect, configure, and
use your home theater system with ease. The OSD and setup assistant features
clear on-screen graphics and text that optimizes critical system settings for
your particular home theater setup. The on-screen menu and setup
assistant can be output to your TV via HDMI only. If you connect the receiver to
your television via only composite or component video, you will need to use the AV receiver's
front-panel display for menu and source adjustments.

Notes:

Initial setup requires that the receiver be connected to your TV via
HDMI for display of the on-screen menu. Many of the receiver's setup
functions can only be found via the on-screen menu and not the
front-panel display.

The video being played will not appear in the background of the menu
when the menu is operated during playback of 4K or 3D video, or if the
video aspect ratio is not 16:9 or 4:3.

Quick Select: On the AVR-X8500H's
front-panel and remote control, you'll find four Quick Select buttons that let you quickly choose
from the most popular input sources. With Quick Select, the AVR-X8500H
remembers not only your preferred inputs but also your preferred audio settings,
so you can enjoy precisely tailored sound with each one.

Input Name & Delete: You can change the display name (up to
8 characters) of a selected input source. If an input isn't being used, you can
delete it from the display so you don't have to scroll past it when you change
sources.

Sleep Timer + Auto Standby: The Denon AV receiver features a programmable Sleep
Timer and Auto Standby function. The Sleep Timer allows you to automatically
set the power to standby after a predetermined amount of time has passed;
set the sleep timer up to 120 minutes in 10 minute increments. The unit enters
Standby mode
automatically when no commands are sent to the unit for the set time
(15/30/60 minutes). Before it enters the standby mode, "Auto Standby" is
displayed on the front-panel display of this unit and the on-screen menu.

ECO Mode: This receiver is equipped with an ECO Mode function that
allows you to enjoy music and movies while reducing the power consumption during
use, Eco mode adjusts the maximum power available according to the volume level
selected to reduce power consumption.

Personal Memory Plus: For each input, the receiver
automatically memorizes the settings for input mode, surround mode, HDMI output
mode, audio delay, etc. When the input source is switched, the settings last
used for that source are automatically recalled. The surround parameters, tone
control settings, and playback levels for the different output channels are
memorized for each surround mode.

Protection Circuit: This is a function to prevent damage to
components within the power supply when an abnormality such as an overload,
excess voltage, or over-heating occurs. In this unit, the power indicator blinks
and the unit enters standby mode when an abnormality occurs.

Personal Memory Plus: For each input, the receiver
automatically memorizes the settings for input mode, surround mode, HDMI output
mode, audio delay, etc. When the input source is switched, the settings last
used for that source are automatically recalled. The surround parameters, tone
control settings, and playback levels for the different output channels are
memorized for each surround mode.

Protection Circuit: This is a function to prevent damage to
components within the power supply when an abnormality such as an overload,
excess voltage, or over-heating occurs. In this unit, the power indicator blinks
and the unit enters standby mode when an abnormality occurs.

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